yeah, it was really hard on me because at that time we (as in the fans) didn't know whether or not he would return to KAT-TUN because we know he loves Western/American culture. and then pics of him partying got leaked out. so, yeah, i was pretty upset/sad over the whole thing. even when he returned, i was still like, unsure what to think about Jin.
but, now, i think it was a good thing for KAT-TUN that Akanishi took a break. i see them in a whole different light now, haha. they've matured and i think they finally recognize their place in KAT-TUN. if you read interviews before & after his hiatus, the guys were sooo different to each other.
yeah, i'm a KAT-TUN dork. 